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Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association News

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Updated January 1, 2005

January - June Piedmont e-News

December 2004 Piedmont e-news
Renew your PFHA Membership
PFHA Trail Ride Calendar
Southern Horse Festival Report
Piedmont Activity News
New 2005 Piedmont PFHA Officers

Ali and Paul Casey of Flatrock Farm fed delicious barbque to over 100 people the night before the show..you know how hungry exhibitors are, but don't have time to stop and get a decent meal. Thanks! Thanks to Paulette Denault-Bryce for providing the Latin music played during our classes. Where else can you pay $24 for one class (with 2 judges) and get four sets of points, and prize money to boot? Even Bellas formas horses in the championship classes received money for "5th place". Stalls were just $30.

Everyone really enjoyed the show...there was a festive, friendly competitive feel in the air. Exhibitors helped each other with advice. Also, there were lots of fair spectators who were captivated by our magical horses...I noticed most stayed and watched the whole show which started at 9:00 am and ended at 5:30 pm. The Piedmont Directories were available as handouts. Expect to see Glen Petty, NC State Fair Horse Show manager at this year's Paso Fino Nationals, as the Show Manager. Just what a state fair show should be! Any suggestions and feedback for next year, email Lynn before the late January fair Advisory Committee meeting.
Lynn Gallup
NC State Fair Paso Fino Show Advisory Committee
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Piedmont PFHA and Country Supply
Recently I was ordering supplies from Country Supply online and discovered that they have a "donation program" called Country Care, which donates a portion of a customer's payment to a non-profit group of the customer's choosing. So, I signed up the Piedmont Futurity as the non-profit group we can contribute to. We will get up to 5% of purchases back (excluding dewormers and shipping costs), much like a Discover Card gives cash back.

In order to participate, all you have to do is make an order with www.countrysupply.com and after you put in your credit card information, you will see a box for "Country Care Code." In this box you should type "PiedmontFuturity" written without a space between words. Country Supply will tally our corresponding purchases and send us a check monthly to benefit the futurity program.

Any of you who have shopped through Country Supply probably know that their prices on grooming supplies, barn tools and supplies, and horse care items are the best around. Please consider using them if possible and remember to type "PiedmontFuturity" as your Country Care Code. Pass this along to any of your friends who shop for horse supplies and ask them to help us out by shopping at Country Supply.
Many thanks, Milda Minter
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PFHA Board of Directors October 2004 Meeting
The PFHA Board of Directors met October 29-30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tampa, FL. Friday afternoon, the members of the Board of Directors who were interested, were transported to Plant City to tour the PFHA office and learn about the daily activities of the Association. From
there they headed to Ocala and Charlotte Valley Farms, owned by Allen and Judy Freedman, for dinner and entertainment. Saturday morning started with a Round Table discussion led by Roger Dunn of the Mid-America region. Following the Round Table was a full day of discussion and action taken, including passing the 2005 PFHA budget.
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Salem Lake Trail Piedmont Ride is November 13th
This ride is being held November 13 at a beautiful park in Winston-Salem, NC. The trails are wide quarry dust tree lined bridle paths around lovely Salem Lake. Flat ground ideal for novice trail horses. Paved trailer parking area! Bring your pooper-scooper as this is a “leave no trace” area. The Park called and is anxious to have us ride there. They have arranged for Channel 13 to be there to video to promote the Lake for this type of event. Great opportunity to promote Paso Finos too! Take advantage of this free advertising! There are 7 miles of bridle paths and a covered picnic area. Park gates open at 7am. Plan to be saddled and ready to ride at 11am. Lunch will be provided at 1pm. Host is Candace Link. Call her at Home (336) 940-2936, Cell (336) 413-5204 or email pasolink@msn.com .

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Fantasia Farms Inc. Trail Ride
are joining together on November 13, 2004 for the Saddle Up for St. Jude trail ride. Mrs. Lauri Pistolis will serve as a coordinator of the event and encourages all residents to support this important community effort.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for it’s pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas, and based in Memphis, TN, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization whom, together with Fantasia Farms, Inc. has put together this trail ride.

Everyone is encouraged to bring your horse and join us for a fantastic time supporting an awesome cause. Fantasia is locasted on Hwy 75 just 4 miles south of Waxhaw. Donations are truly appreciated. If you are interested in participating or making a contribution, please contact Lauri Pistolis and Fantasia Farms, Inc. at 704-619-5677.
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Fabulous Fino Futurity Report
La Reina de Los Reyes, ridden by Jorge Suarez and owned by Myra S. King of Kingsport, TN, captured the top spot and a check for $20,000 in the 2004 Fabulous Fino Futurity held during the 2004 PFHA Grand National Championships Show & Sale, September 19-25, in Perry, GA. In addition to the prize money, as the top placing filly in the Futurity, Caballo de USA Paso Fino Horses and Paul Mercer, awarded the winner with a breeding from one of the top stallions in the breed, Ponderosa Coloso. Second place honors, a check for $2,000 and an English Ultra Lite Saddle, courtesy of High Gait Farm & Saddlery, went to Aphrodisia de United owned by The Pyrianos Collection. Third place in the Futurity, and a check for $1,000 went to Ardillia Coloso owned by Jerry M. Holder of Cameron, NC.
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Southern Horse Festival is December 3rd-5th at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
Piedmont PFHA is planning a Paso Fino breed booth and particpate in the Parade of Breeds. The festival is Friday and Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 9am-5pm. There will be an abundance of equine vendors for Christmas gift shopping. There will be 63 hours of equine educational seminars. Guest clinicians this year is Curt Pane, Lynn Palm, Anne Kursinski and GaWaNi Pony Boy. More info can be obtained at www.southernhorsefestival.com This event is hosted by the NC Horse Council. Volunteers are needed to help with the Piedmont PFHA booth. Contact Milda Minter.
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The 2004 PFHA Grand National Championship Show will be airing on Sunshine Network
beginning Sunday, October 24 at 3:30 PM. The complete schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, November 3 - 3:00 PM
Friday, November 5 - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 10 - 10:30 PM
Thursday, December 2 - 10:00 PM

The program will be broadcast again in late December on RFD-TV. Also Paso Fino programming on RFD-TV on Dish Network CH: 9409; on DirecTV CH: 379. The Smoothest Ride. An explanation of the Paso Fino smooth gait, plus a Paso Fino breed demonstration. Friday 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 AM and Sunday 1:30 PM (all ET).
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NC Horse Council Horse Judging Short Course is January 7-9, 2005 in Raleigh
This will be the first year that Paso Fino judging will be included. On Friday January 7, "Judging Paso Finos and Rocky Mountain Horses" will be instructed by PFHA SC Judge Lynn Gallup in a one hour session. More Paso Finos are being exhibited at open horse shows; now there will be some constructive education to open horse show judges on what to look for. Along the same line, the Open Horse Show Judges Certification Clinic is February 5-6, 2005 in Raleigh. Course information can be found at: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hhmain.html
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Ticket to Ride PFHA Program Report
This was the first year for the new trail riding program Ticket to Ride. This
is a free program offered to PFHA members. Download the ticket from the PFHA website
or contact your regional representative to get your ticket. Have the Ride Manager
sign your ticket after each trail ride. Each PFHA sanctioned trail ride counts
for two rides and non-PFHA sanctioned trail rides will be worth one ride. After
attending five rides the ticket is sent to the Association office and you can start
a new ticket. There is no limit to the number of tickets you submit to the PFHA.
At the end of the year a drawing is held at the Grand National Championship Show.
You do not have to be present to win and you must be a current member at the time
of all rides and at the time of the drawing. Three tickets are drawn and prizes
are awarded.
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2006 Youth CONFEPASO Mundial
The PFHA Youth committee is requesting approval from the BOD to hold the Youth Mundial in the United States in 2006 in July (in an effort to get this done while the majority of youth are still out of school). The cost to produce this show is likely to be around $100,000 with some, but not a significant amount of revenue generated from the show (will get cost from this year's show in PR). The PFHA would sponsor the show, with the Youth Committee (volunteers) being the Chair of the Show with support from PFHA staff etc. We would need to find sponsors to support the bulk or all the cost.

The show is open to "Teams" from CONFEPASO member countries: Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curacao, Europe, Switzerland and Canada at this time.
The teams pay their own way to the show and pay an entry fee to enter. This year it was $100 per entry. The majority of the horses are provided by the host country, in this case the United States, but may be brought in by other countries. Envision holding the show in Kississimmee, Florida. In this way we can use the existing theme parks and Cape Kennedy etc. for family entertainment and possible sponsors. Also, should be able to build on the county grant money already being contributed to the existing show.

There would be a "pool" of horses donated by the host and other countries. A horse may be ridden by its owner (youth) or the owner may designate a host country youth to ride the horse, but the horse must be available for two other youth riders. The horses in the "pool" are assigned by a lottery system and must be available for practice by the other two or three youth prior to the show (horses must be on the grounds at the time of the lottery and remain throughout the show. If a youth rider has difficulties with their horse (obtained through the lottery) another horse may be assigned. We will be dependent on the Youth Committee members to insure they obtain quality and kid safe horses. Must remember, the age groups are different from the PFHA, therefore, you will have riders ranging for very youth to older than norm. The judges are not paid for their services, but their travel, lodging and expenses are paid. Decorations, facilities (stalls and bedding;cannot expect the members donating horses to pay for the stalls and bedding), parties for the youth etc., will need to be paid.

Once concept approval is obtained, we will develop a detailed budget and all would be included in the 2006 PFHA budget for Board approval at the October 2005 Board meeting (and hopefully by then will we have firm commitments from sponsors and there will be little exposure for the PFHA. However, this will be dependent on the Youth Committee with staff assistance to obtain).

There are CONFEPASO rules, in English. NOTE: this rule guide does not include the update from the May 04 meeting, but should give anyone a general idea of the show. Note the rules link is in MS Word format and is over 50 pages if you decide to print it off.
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Youth Classes at PFHA Nationals
Hello parents, trainers, friends of youth, I am conducting a very unscientific poll of youth riders and parents and trainers of youth riders on this issue --

Would you support moving the sub-jr level I and II equitation and horsemanship classes to another arena at the nationals? What about the preliminary rounds of the sub- and junior classes with more than 25 entries? The classes could be conducted at times other classes such as bella forma or the specialty classes would be going on in the main arena.

I am in support of this idea for the following reasons. First, safety. The smaller kids would be safer in a smaller arena. Second, in the past these classes have often been placed either early in the morning or immediately following a very spectator-popular class. As soon as the popular class is over, there is a mass exodus of spectators and the kids are left with a few spectators in the huge arena. A smaller arena would allow spectators to see better and the kids to feel like their class is being watched and appreciated. Third, the overall show would move faster.

I am not in support of adding an extra day onto the already seven day show schedule to accomodate all of the youth classes at the beginning of the week. There are judging obstacles, etc to overcome but this may be a feasible plan if the parents and youth are supportive. As always, I am open to your suggestions, recommendations, and ideas. Please forward this to anyone who might be interested.

Thanks in advance, Marcia Davis

October 2004 Piedmont e-news

Congratulations to Piedmont winners at Nationals
Piedmont Membership Dues
Piedmont Awards Banquet
El Escondite Trail Ride
NC State Fair Paso Fino Show
Salem Lake Trail Ride
2005 USEF Membership Renewal Available Online

Congratulations to Piedmont members and these horses who won National Championships at the PFHA Grand Nationals!

• Bellas Formas Stallions: El Tejano de Painted Star. Cese Figueroa, exhibitor.
• Bellas Formas 1 Yr. Geldings: Pisaro PM. Paul Mercer, owner; Bill Minter, exhibitor.
• Performance Schooling 3 yr Colts/Geldings: Caballero Dominante. Paul Mercer, owner; Shaw Laney, exhibitor.
• Pleasure A/O 4 yr. Schooling Fillies: Hechicera PM. Owner: Dwayne Tilley, Paul Mercer, Bill Minter; Dwayne Tilly, exhibitor.
• Versatility: Insolito de Estaban. Milda Minter, exhibitor.
• Pleasure Stallions: Farolito del Lagos. Francis Twitty, owner; Shaw Laney, rider.
• Country Pleasure: Hechicera PM. Bill Minter, Paul Mercer, Dwayne Tilly.
• Pleasure A/O Geldings: General. Lori & Greg West, owners; Lori West, rider.
• Pleasure Schooling 3 Yr Colts & Geldings: Cree del Azur. Alvaro Iriarte, rider.
• Pleasure Schooling 4 yr. Fillies: Castile Centellas. George Plonk, owner; Shaw Laney, rider.
• Performance Schooling 4 Yr Fillies: Diosa De Fantasy. Woodmont Stables, owner; Milda Minter, rider.
• Bellas Formas Geldings: El Zorro de Quatro. Shaw Laney, exhibitor.
• Bellas Formas 3 Yr Geldings: Vicente LTD. Daneen Hitchcock, owner.
• Breeders Sweepstakes Fillies: Coloso's Serafina. Dwayne Tilley & Bill Minter.
• Performance Stallions: Premier de Chapiro. John Sturm, owner; German Higuera, rider.
• Get of Sire: Ponderosa Coloso. Paul Mercer, owner. Dwayne Tilly/Paul Mercer, exhibitors.
• Bellas Formas 2 Yr. Fillies: Coloso's Musica PM. Paul Mercer, owner. Bill Minter, exhbitor.
• Western Pleasure: Insolito de Estaban. Milda Minter, rider.
• Performance Mares: La Conga. Wade Stowe, owner. Shaw Laney, rider.
• Pleasure Schooling 4 yr. Colts & Geldings: Flamenco La Estrella. Alvaro Iriarte, rider. Startown Stables & Mary Neil, owner.
• Pleasure Mares & Fillies Championship: Castile Centellas. George Plonk, rider; George Plunk, owner.
• Bellas Formas Geldings Championship: El Zorro de Quatro. Shaw Laney, exhibitor.
• Pleasure Stallions & Colts Championship: Farolito del Lagos. Francis Twitty, owner. Shaw Laney, rider.
• Bellas Formas 1 Yr. Fillies: Coloso's Serafina. Bill Minter, Dwayne Tilley, exhibitors, owner.
• Bellas Formas Mares & Fillies Championship: La Veleta deLa Libertad. Pat Figueroa, exhibitor.
• Costume: Marissa de Sucessor. Isabel Reid, rider. Estrellita del Cortijo, owner
• Bella Forma Stallions & Colts Championship: El Tejano de Painted Star. Cese Figueroa, exhibitor.

Congratulations to these Piedmont members 2004 Reserve National Championships!

• Bellas Formas 2 Yr. Geldings: Nieto de Nevado. Pat Figueroa, exhibitor.
• Pleasure Mares: Lolita de Napoleon. Shaw Laney, rider.
• Fino A/O Stallions: El Czar del Azur. Hannah Reid, rider/owner.
• Youth Horsemanship Sub Junior Level I: Jake Orr, rider; Estrellita de Oro, horse
• Country Pleasure: Atrevido La Estrella. Marjorie Nickel, owner/rider.
• Performance Sallions: Retorno del Bosque. Milda & Charles Minter Jr., Joe Wilhelm, owner.
• Breeders Sweepstakes Colts: Lucas Bravo. Joe Wilhem, owner; Milda Minter, exhibitor.
• Performance A/O Schooling 3 Yr. Colts & Geldings: Caballero Dominante FL. Paul Mercer, owner/rider.
• Performance A/O Schooling 4 Yr. Fillies: Diosa De Fantasy. Dwight Graber/Woodmont Stables, owner/rider.
• Pleasure Stallions & Colts Championship: Cree del Azur. Alvaro Iriarte, rider.
• Bellas Formas 1 Yr. Fillies: Cabrio RRR. Alvaro Iriarte/Alvaro Iriarte, Jr. exhibitors.
• Produce of Dam: Maya Cama del Halcon. Paul Mercer, Bill Minter, Dwayne Tilly - exhibitors.
• Performance Stallions & Colts Championship: Premier de Chapiro. John Sturm, owner; German Higuera, rider.
• Bellas Formas 3 Yr. Fillies: Candente de Prometido. Charles/Milda Minter, exhibitors.
• Bellas Formas 1 Yr. Colts: Lucas Bravo. Joe Wilhem, owner; Joe Wilhelm, Milda Minter, exhibitors.
• Performance Mares & Fillies Championship: Diosa De Fantasy. Woodmont Stables, owner; Milda Minter, exhibitor.
• Fino Junior: El Czar del Azur. Hannah Reid, rider.
• Pleasure Geldings Championship: El Asombro de Prometido. Shaw Laney, rider.
• Gold Medal Equitation Youth: Brittain Williams, rider. Quemarropa de Altamira, horse.
• Trail: Atrevido La Estrella. Marjorie Nickel, rider/owner.

Its that time of year! Time to renew your Piedmont membership, so you can vote at the October 9th, 2004 meeting, and get points from the NC State Fair Paso Fino Show count towards high point awards. Get membership form here.

Piedmont Annual Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting is October 9th
When: Meeting 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Dinner and Entertainment starts at 6:30 pm
Where: Marriott Charlotte Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Dr., Charlotte, NC
Phone:704-527-9650; room rate is $69.00. See the September Piedmont e-news for meeting topics to be discussed. Election of new Piedmont officers and selection of judges for 2005 will be voted on.

Please RSVP to Robin Visceglia no later than September 30, 2004 for the dinner. Call 828 743 3698 and leave a message or email rvisceglia@aol.com. Dinner is complimentary for current 2003-2004 Piedmont members and family (with applicable family membership). Guests are welcome at $20 per person.

El Escondite Piedmont Fall Trail Ride is October 16th
This ride is being held October 16 at Valerie Fox’s lovely El Escondite farm in Waxhaw, NC which is just South of Charlotte, near the NC/SC state line. Those of you who participated in the March 20 ride at this farm know what lovely trails are there! Valerie is a wonderful hostess and provided a spread of goodies. Be sure to call her for directions and to let her know you are coming so she will know how much food to prepare! Come join the fun.
Call Valerie Fox at ((704) 243-0113 or email vfox@alltel.net.

NC State Fair Paso Fino Horse Show is October 18th.
Paso Fino exhibitors arriving Sunday evening (move-in after 6pm) can look forward to a complimentray BarB-Que provide by Ali Watts and friends. Paulette Denault-Bryce is providing the Latin Music for the show. We look forward to seeing you there at the fair! NC native and American Idol runner-up, Pop singer, Clay Aiken's second show is scheduled for Monday afternoon at the fair (sold out)..maybe he'll take a stroll on the fairgrounds, and know what a Paso Fino is.

39 double pointed classes are offered this year at the NC State Fair Paso Fino Show on Monday October 18, 2004 starting at 9:00 am. The Bellas Formas classes have been expanded; Pleasure Driving and Costume are new classes for 2004. This show attracts more of a public outside audience then any of our other Piedmont shows. It also counts towards Piedmont's high point awards. The entry fees are less than half a regular pointed PFHA/USEF show. There are two judges: Jose Laracuente and Ed Smith this year. You can email Sheri Bridges to be mailed a show prize list if you are not on the fair mailing list. Of note this year also, the Arabians will be showing in their halter classes in the outdoor covered arena that morning also. Click for class schedule. Come promote your Paso Finos and ride with Piedmont and the NC State Fair Horse Show! Info can be found on page 87 of the September 2004 Paso Fino Horse World.

Late registration ends October 1, after which a $30 late fee per horse will be applied. Regular classes are $24 each for two judges placements/ USEF double points. Hard to beat that price for entry fees. Championship Classes entry fee is $32 each. Class prize premium is 1st/$30, 2nd/$25, 3rd/$20, 4th/$15, 5th/$10, 6th/ribbon. Championship class prize premium is 1st/$50, 2nd/$40, 3rd/$30, 4th/$20.
Lynn Gallup, NC State Fair Paso Fino Show Chair

Salem Lake Trail Ride is November 13th
This ride is being held November 13 at a beautiful park in Winston-Salem, NC. The trails are wide quarry dust tree lined bridle paths around lovely Salem Lake. Flat ground ideal for novice trail horses. Paved trailer parking area! Bring your pooper-scooper as this is a “leave no trace” area. The Park called and is anxious to have us ride there. They have arranged for Channel 13 to be there to video to promote the Lake for this type of event. Great opportunity to promote Paso Finos too! Take advantage of this free advertising! There are 7 miles of bridle paths and a covered picnic area. Park gates open at 7am. Plan to be saddled and ready to ride at 11am. Lunch will be provided at 1pm. Host is Candace Link. Call her at Home (336) 940-2936, Cell (336) 413-5204 or email pasolink@msn.com .

2005 USEF Membership Renewal Available Online
Don't let your membership benefits lapse! In addition to being able to compete in more than 2,700 USEF-recognized competitions throughout the year, as a USEF member you receive:

• Significant discounts from companies like John Deere, Dodge, Nextel and FedEx through the USEF Purchasing Program.
• $1,000,000 personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties.
• Travel discounts
• Annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN magazine, the official publication of the Federation
• And much more……(USEF Purchasing, Automatic Insurance and annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN provided to our Life, Platinum, Senior and Junior members)

To Renew On Line: Go to https://www.usef.org/content/aua/userSystemArea.php
If you don’t have a Authorized User Account (AUA), you can create one through this page with your membership number (USEF # ) and last name. After creating your account, click LOG IN to log in to your Authorized User Account. Select 2005 Membership Application/Renewal to renew your 2005 membership under the Member Forms. A Licensed Official must also indicate the license(s) he/she is renewing. After renewing your membership, a page will appear giving you verification of credit card approval. Please print this page for your records.

PRINT your temporary United States Equestrian Federation 2005 membership card.
Congratulations, You have just joined On Line! If you have questions please contact the United States Equestrian Federation Membership Department or, for Licensed Officials, the Licensed Officials Department at 859/258-2472.

Letter from the President
Dear Members,
I hope this Password finds everyone well. I am sure you are getting ready for the Nationals. Best of luck to all Piedmont exhibitors! Look for our Piedmont Basket in the Silent Auction. Cathy Seimer, the National Show Chair, requested a basket from each region. Hopefully ours will be representative of the diverse Piedmont Region.

The Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet is scheduled for October 9, 2004 in Charlotte at the Marriot Executive Park. We are trying to rotate the venues so more members have an opportunity to participate. Please remember to make your dinner reservations with me before September 30th. We don’t want to run out of chicken!

Kathy Williams headed up the committee for the Youth Mundial recently held in Puerto Rico. Piedmont had funds budgeted for the youth and contributed $1500 toward the Piedmont youth participants. Kathy has an article in the Password. Those Piedmont Youth really make us proud!
I hope you all come to the Membership Meeting and most of all I hope you step up to the plate and volunteer next year. Remember this is a member run organization and we need your help!
Thanks!
Robin Visceglia

NC State Fair Paso Fino Horse Show...Early Pre-entry deadlines: September 2.
39 double pointed classes are offered this year at the NC State Fair Paso Fino Show on Monday October 18, 2004 starting at 9:00 am. The Bellas Formas classes have been expanded; Pleasure Driving and Costume are new classes for 2004. This show attracts more of a public outside audience then any of our other Piedmont shows. It also counts towards Piedmont's high point awards. The entry fees are less than half a regular pointed PFHA/USEF show. There are two judges: Jose Laracuente and Ed Smith this year. You can email Sheri Bridges to be mailed a show prize list if you are not on the fair mailing list. If you showed last year, you should receive one by mail. Of note this year also, the Arabians will be showing in their halter classes in the outdoor covered arena that morning also. Click for class schedule. Come promote your Paso Finos and ride with Piedmont and the NC State Fair Horse Show! Info can be found on page 87 of the September 2004 Paso Fino Horse World.

The Fair early Pre-entry deadline is September 2, 2004, after which there is a $10 late fee per horse. Late registration ends October 1, after which a $30 penalty fee per horse will be applied. Regular classes are $24 each for two judges placements/ USEF double points. Hard to beat that price for entry fees. Championship Classes entry fee is $32 each. Class prize premium is 1st/$30, 2nd/$25, 3rd/$20, 4th/$15, 5th/$10, 6th/ribbon. Championship class prize premium is 1st/$50, 2nd/$40, 3rd/$30, 4th/$20.
Lynn Gallup, NC State Fair Paso Fino Show Chair

Its that time of year! Time to renew your Piedmont membership, so you can vote at the October 9th, 2004 meeting, and get points from the NC State Fair Paso Fino Show count towards high point awards. See membership form here.

Piedmont Annual Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting is October 9, 2004
When: Meeting 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Dinner and Entertainment starts at 6:30pm
Where: Marriott Charlotte Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Dr., Charlotte, NC
Phone:704-527-9650; room rate is $69.00.

Please RSVP to Robin Visceglia no later than September 30, 2004 for the dinner. Call 828 743 3698 and leave a message or email rvisceglia@aol.com. Dinner is complimentary for current 2003-2004 Piedmont members and family (with applicable family membership). Guests are welcome at $20 per person.

Recent Piedmont BOD Business
The following is a summary of our most recent discussions and decisions. As you will note many items are left up to the members to decide on and discuss at the October Membership Meeting.

Clemson Show - The show dates for next year are April 15-17, 2005. I have received the contract for the T. Ed Garrison arena, no changes. Do we want to go ahead and book this show? (we need a show committee ASAP) Yes - 5 votes to 2 votes.

Asheville Show - The dates for next year are June 16-19, 2005. We can possibly work out a deal with the Palomino people and move the show to the next weekend June 23-26, 2005. I have talked to the arena and they are willing to try to persuade the Palomino people to move their show. If so there will be more time between Asheville and Spectrum. The 16th is also Father's day weekend. This would not be a final date until we clear it with the Ag Center, PFHA, and USEF. Yes - 7 votes. I followed up with the Ag Center and the Palomino show is not interested in changing the dates and they already have contract for 2005. The Ag Center did agree to move us back for 2006. USEF rolls back in 2007 so we should be okay on the dates then.

Judges for Asheville - Usually we try to get a list from the members on who they would like to see judge the shows. Last year we did get a list and I used that trying to get judges. Most of the judges had conflicts. Overall discussion is that we need to let the members have a voice in choosing the judges. We will present a list of judges to the members at the October Meeting and they will be listed in the September 2004 printed Password mailed to members.

Previous Judges for Piedmont PFHA Shows
Columbia - 2001	Asheville - 2001
Andres Mejias Carmen Cepero Rick Meyer Roger Cabic - Steward	Kelly Cox Karen Cabic Jose Lauracuente Sharon Londono Audry Colin - Steward
Clemson 2002	Asheville 2002
Andres Mejia Kelly Cox Robert Yuntis Helen Hogan - Steward	Lynn Gallup Ernie Sanz Jose Laracuente Kathy Briggs Roger Cabic - Steward
Clemson 2003	Asheville 2003
Jose Laurecuente Carlos Tobon Kathy Briggs Helen Hogan - Steward	Ellen Perez Angel Ustaegui Rick Meyer Nicanor Miranda Fred Moretti - Steward
Clemson 2004	Asheville 2004
Betsy McHugh Ellen Perez Miguel Pastrana Fred Moretti - Steward	Carlos Tobon Sharon Londono Lynn Gallup Robert Yuntis Fred Moretti - Steward

High Point Awards - We have a question regarding which shows count toward Piedmont High Point Awards. 4 yes to 3 no to include all Piedmont shows.

Trail Ride Membership – We have been asked numerous times if you had to be a member of Piedmont to do the trail rides. The answer is yes, due to insurance purposes. TVPFHA does a “trail ride” membership for people who want to do the trail ride that are not members. They do not charge anything for this. Since we usually serve lunch Lori West suggested that we do a Trail Ride membership with a $10 fee to cover lunch. If someone is going to do more than one trail ride then they might as well join PFHA for $20.
Trail Ride Membership – 4 votes yes to the $10 Trail Ride membership.

Membership General -We need to increase our membership. Income from dues does not even cover the banquet $3000, high point awards $3000. Money we make on shows covers this, high point awards, etc. Would we be better served making all PFHA Piedmont designated members of PPFHA for free and encourage them to participate in trail rides ($10) each, charge for the banquet ($20 each), etc? There are over 800 designated Piedmont members on the roll for PFHA. We could use the web as our information tool. We already have it set up and all we do is update it regularly. We could discontinue the Password and save $2000 a year. This last month was a good example of what happens when just one person’s computer goes hay wire. The Password was delayed and our scheduled meeting was cancelled. We just don’t have enough volunteers to get the Password printed, mailed, and there is duplicate information on the web. I know people say “what about people without computers?” Well, should they pay for a printed subscription (we would just print out the web info)? Don’t you get newsletters via email from other organizations? Isn’t it nice to read it, or print it out, or delete it? Fee Structure – 4 votes yes to review our current fee structure.

Web/Password – with the exception of one vote, all agreed that we should look at providing the Password for a fee. This ties in with the overall Fee Structure review and should be looked at in whole.

Electronic Messaging - We need to amend our Bylaws to reflect electronic messaging as notice. We have email addresses on almost half of our members or member households. There might be more that we don’t have. Email notification – 2 no’s, the rest of the votes were yeses with exceptions varying from mail notification on voting matters, or mail to those who are paying for the Password (see above) or if we go to all web and include all designated members then we do email. Bottom line is that this needs to be decided in conjunction with the fee structure/membership.

Nominating Committee – So far we have the following nominations in for the new Board. We will vote at the October meeting. 7 votes yes to nominations.

President – Milda Minter
Vice President – Lynn Gallup
Secretary – Rita Magaha
Treasurer – Laurie Pistolis
Directors (2) – 1st yr of 3 yr term - Ann Furr
3rd yr of 3 yr term - Randy Williams

Piedmont October Membership Meeting Draft Agenda
If you have a particular topic you want to see on the agenda let Robin Visceglia know!

• Fun shows, Local pointed shows, “B” circuit of shows
• Judges for 2005
• Clinic Topics and Hosts
• Financial Report
• Show Committees
• Committee Chairs including a new committee to review fee schedule
• Volunteers for Southern Horse Festival in Raleigh
• Vote for new Board
• Calendar of Events
• Possible debate between PFHA Presidential Candidates (at time of this publication invitations had been issued but event has not been confirmed)

Piedmont 2004 Stallion Auction Bids
There a several stallions still available in the Stallion Auction. Submit your bids to Robbie Davis at ElPorvenir@aol.com or mail to: 18600 Shearer Rd, Davidson, NC 28036, by August 25th, 2004. Please include your name, address and phone number. The winning bidders will be announced in the September Password.

PFHA Youth Essay Contest
The youth essay contest will once again take place at the national show. The deadline to submit the essay will be September 23rd. If your child is not coming to the national show, he or she can still enter by sending the essay via e-mail to pasoyouth@aol.com. Essays will be judged on content and originality. The topic will be displayed on the www.pasofinos.com bulletin board and via e-mail on September 16th. Youth attending the national show who want to enter the essay contest can check at the youth table for the topic.

Thanks to the generosity of Oscar and Kendra Vasquez of El Rancho de Suenos, of Granite Falls, NC, PFHA will once again be giving away a horse as the grand prize. El Rancho de Suenos is proud to donate Mariachi de Suenos, a yearling Paso Fino colt, to the winner of the Youth Essay Contest at the 2004 Grand National Championship Show in Perry, GA, to be held September 19-25, 2004. "We believe that this gift will lead to stronger foundations for the future of the Paso Fino horse." This gorgeous little soon-to-be-gelding will be ready to start training early next year. He is a son of Czar, Mr. Fran Azur's wonderful Fino stallion who has been magnificently trained, shown and demonstrated by Mr. Alvaro Iriarte. El Rancho de Suenos Paso Fino Horses is dedicated to the preservation and the continued enhancement of the future of the Paso Fino horse. We believe in "foundations for the future" by breeding for tomorrow’s Paso Fino horse and supporting the youth of this great breed. Our youth riders deserve the support, education and every opportunity necessary to drive this sport into the future.

Congratulations to Piedmont Youth at Mundial Report
Congratulations to all our Piedmont Youth members who participated in the Youth Mundial! Brittain Williams of Monroe, NC, representing the United States, won her division at the 5th Youth Mundial, held in Caguas, Puerto Rico, August 17 – 22. Seven members of the PFHA traveled with coach Ramon Figueroa to Puerto Rico to compete in the Youth Mundial. The team
included Michele Baker of Wake Forest, NC, Katie Berry of Orangeburg, SC, Brooklyn Besse of Louisburg, KS, Cassie Oakes of Enroee, SC, Clarissa Schwartz of St. Paul, MN, Brittain Williams of Monroe, NC, and Raymond Vega of Pueblo, CO.

Piedmont Roving Report Retires
After six years Tommae Sligh is retiring from writing the Piedmont News for the PFHW. Everyone from Piedmont gives her a BIG THANKYOU for her contribution. If you have a talent for writing now is your time to step forward and contribute to your association.

El Escondite Piedmont Fall Trail Ride is October 16th
This ride is being held October 16 at Valerie Fox’s lovely El Escondite farm in Waxhaw, NC which is just South of Charlotte, near the NC/SC state line. Those of you who participated in the March 20 ride at this farm know what lovely trails are there! Valerie is a wonderful hostess and provided a spread of goodies. Be sure to call her for directions and to let her know you are coming so she will know how much food to prepare! Come join the fun.
Call Valerie Fox at ((704) 243-0113 or email vfox@alltel.net

Salem Lake Trail Ride is November 13th
This ride is being held November 13 at a beautiful park in Winston-Salem, NC. The trails are wide quarry dust tree lined bridle paths around lovely Salem Lake. Flat ground ideal for novice trail horses. Paved trailer parking area! Bring your pooper-scooper as this is a “leave no trace” area. The Park called and is anxious to have us ride there. They have arranged for Channel 13 to be there to video to promote the Lake for this type of event. Great opportunity to promote Paso Finos too! Take advantage of this free advertising! There are 7 miles of bridle paths and a covered picnic area. Park gates open at 7am. Plan to be saddled and ready to ride at 11am. Lunch will be provided at 1pm. Host is Candace Link. Call her at Home (336) 940-2936, Cell (336) 413-5204 or email pasolink@msn.com .

Piedmont Riding Buddies
If anyone else would like to be a Riding Buddy, or if you want a Buddy to ride in a Park you are interested in exploring, please let us know! Contact Marcia Carrico at (336) 998-1111 or casacarrico@yadtel.net

Lyn Shook has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to come to DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC and needs someone to ride with them. Call (828) 884-246 or email her at lynbill@citcom.net

Marcia Carrico has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to come to Salem Lake Park in Winston-Salem and needs someone to ride with them. Call (336) 998-1111 or email her at casacarrico@yadtel.net

Brian & Jill Smith have volunteered to be “Riding Buddies”, if anyone wants to come to Moses Cone Park in Blowing Rock, NC. Call (828) 268-0608 or email them at basvprop@bellsouth.net

Biltmore Trail Ride Report
Over 50 Piedmont members gathered on the estate, which has over 80 miles of wooded equestrian trails. The fog kept us cool as we tacked up, and lifted as we started our ride. We enjoyed the beautiful views and great company on the red #2 trail. Many thanks to our volunteer trail leaders (Stanley and Annel Bridgman, Betty Whitson, and Brenda Sparks), who did a great job of taking care of our Piedmont herd. Returning to the parking field for lunch, we enjoyed sandwiches, delicious homemade cakes from Betty Whitson, and chatting under the shady awning of trail hosts Greg and Lori West's trailer. Patrisha Norman brought out a picnic canopy, so everyone could sit in the shade to eat and laugh together. Many thanks to those who brought coolers, ice, and goodies to share. We enjoyed the company of Al and Phyllis Freibert who came all the way from Kentucky to ride with us. After a brief afternoon shower, a small group who waited out the weather headed out again along the French broad river for a beautiful ride. It was alot of fun, sharing the day with old and new friends.
Lori West

Spartanburg Horsemen’s Assoc. All-breed Horse Shows
The Spartanburg Horsemen’s Assoc is a non-profit all-breed organization that is having shows at Croft Park in Spartanburg, SC, shows remaining this year are: Sept 18, Oct 16, and Nov. 20.. Paso Finos are welcome in EVERY class and each person is instructed to dress appropriate for their breed. We hope to see lots of Piedmont Paso Finos at the next show!
Contact: Jeanne Griggs at (864) 489-9397 (work) or (864) 490-5339 (Home) for more information and a class list.

PFHA Nationals Sale Catalogs Available
Catalogs for the 7th Annual Grand National Horse Sale AND the 3rd Annual “Ride for the Money” Fabulous Fino Futurity are now available on the PFHA web site at www.pfha.org.

Wanted: 2004 PFHA Nationals Ribbon Presenters
Still time to sign up! If you are interested in being a Ribbon Presenter for the 2004 Nationals please let me know. Sessions early in the week still available The costume will be long sleeved white blouse with collar & cuffs, black boots and black dress pants/skirt/jumper. Contact Marcia Carrico (336) 998-1111 or email casacarrico@yadtel.net

PFHA Membership Marketing Survey
Hurry, time is about to run out....go online at www.pfha.org and complete the PFHA Survey. The information gathered from this survey will be used to offer increased services, better events and bigger purses for our members. The PFHA will receive the data once it is compiled, no employee or member will see the individual surveys. This information will not be sold to outside companies. It is strictly confidential. The questions relating to non-horse activities can be used to garner sponsorships outside the horse world. The detailed information asked for in this survey will help PFHA compete with the numerous horse organizations that are vying for sponsorship dollars. If you prefer to have the survey mailed to you contact the PFHA office at 813-719-7777 or via email at dirmkt@pfha.org. Time to complete this survey is the first week in September.

Paso Finos on RFD TV
Hello, I have just received information from PFHA that the RFD TV channel will be featuring the Paso Fino Horse and replays of the 2003 Nationals etc. Time Warner : Road Runner has told me that if they got enough request for the programming they will find a way to offer it to its customers. The number to call and request this channel is 336-249-3908 and follow the prompts for channel service. It sure would be nice to have this type of service offered to the Horse Industry. Could youhelp get the word out such as the Piedmont Password and any other horse publication. Its just a matter of communication. Bonnie Minter

See Paso Fino videos on RFD TV. It is on both DirecTV and Dish Networks. On DirecTV
it is on channel 379 and Dish Network it can be found on 9409. All shows are at 5:00 PM EST.

9/3 -- Paso Finos on the Road
9/10 - Smooth Trails on a Paso Fino
9/17 - 2003 PFHA Nationals - Part 1
9/24 - 2003 PFHA Nationals - Part 2
10/1 - Paso Finos at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada
10/8 - Saddling Up for Trail Riding with Don West
10/15 - Texas Equus America
10/22 - Pasos on the Road
10/29 - The Smoothest Ride

PLEASE NOTE: Time Warner - Road Runner has said that if they got enough requests for this programming they will find a way to offer it to its customers. The number to call is 336-249-3908. Follow the prompts for channel service. A great way to PROMOTE THE PASO FINO!

Rooms still available for Nationals in Perry, GA
Rooms still available during the PFHA Grand National Championship Show at the following hotels. Be sure to mention the PFHA to get reduced rates.

· Scottish Inn – 478-987-3622
· Jameson – 478-987-5060
· New Perry Hotel – 478-987-1000
· Best Inn – 478-987-4454
· Econolodge – 478-987-2142
· Knights Inn – 478-987-1515
· Quality Inn – 478-987-1345
· Great Inn – 478-987-5600
· Ramada Limited (soon to be Howard Johnson) – 478-987-8400
· Relax Inn – 478-987-3200
· Red Carpet Inn – 478-987-2200

New PFHA Video Now Available
A new video entitled “Basics of Trimming Your Horses Hooves” with Don West, is now available from the Paso Fino Horse Association. The video is $9.95 plus shipping. Please contact the PFHA at 813-719-7777 or via email at dirmkt@pfha.org to order.

New PFHA Rule Book
The PFHA Rule Book which becomes effective 9/1/04 is now available on the PFHA Web Site. The book can be downloaded and printed off any pages needed. The paper version of the new rulebook can be purchased from PFHA for $10.00.

Internacional Paso Fino San Juan Show for PFHA & Pure PR Paso Finos
Plan to attend the this event being held at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, PR on November 26-28, 2004. The Host Hotel is Wyndham Condado Plaza (787) 721-1000
General Program: Welcome Party at Wyndham Condado, Friday, November 26
Competitions: November 27 and 28 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.
For information and registration contact Ms. Mayda Alvarez (787) 258-5300; Puerto Rican Paso Fino Horse Breeders Association.

NC Environmental Management Field Day
NC State University, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences is holding an Environmental Field Day September 30, 2004 at Billy Parton Quarter Horses in Morganton, NC conveniently located off exit 106 of Route 40. Bear right onto Parton Lane prior to the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp. Parton Lane dead ends at Bill Parton Quarter Horses.

Program will include: Demonstrations on Horse Waste Composting, Rotational Grazing-Pasture Management, Water Quality, Fencing Systems, Waste Analysis, Pasture Establishment & Fertilization Management, Round Bale Feeding Systems & Holding Lots for Horses, Forage and Feed Testing.

Pre-Registration post-marked by September 17 is $10 for adults and $5. For youth and students, and includes lunch. Late fees, payable at the door are $12. For adults and $7.00 for youth, with lunch on a first-come basis. Contact Horse Environment Field Day, Extension Horse Husbandry, Campus Box 7523, Raleigh, NC 27695 or contact North Carolina Horse Council (800) 529-9206 or (919) 854-1990.

PFHA Nationals Sponsorships Sill Available – LAST CHANCE!
2004 Grand National Television Sponsorships Available! Your business will be exposed to more than twenty-nine million households in the United States, not once, but numerous times. For the fourth year in a row a one-hour highlight video of the Paso Fino Grand Nationals will be broadcast on nation wide television. That’s not all! A second show entitled “Behind the Scenes at the 2004 Grand Nationals” will be made and as a
sponsor your farm will be featured. Limited sponsorship packages are available. For more information contact dirmkt@pfha.org.

August 19, 2004 Letter to PFHA Executive Committee
This letter is in response to the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting, dated May 29, 2004. After consulting Everglades P.F.H.A. members, members from different regions, and the P.F.H.A. rule book and constitution, I have concerns regarding the Committee’s discussion/action with respect to the Executive Director’s contract and also with respect to the services of Anderson Consulting,

As a result of the review of our rules, it seems apparent the Board of Directors should be directly involved in negotiating and reviewing the Executive Director’s contract. Below listed are the constitutional provisions that apply to this issue:

1. Article VI of the constitution provides that “The board shall hire an executive director to run the day-to-day operations of the association”. A contract certainly actualizes hiring and requires the approval of the Board.

2. Our constitution also provides that the Executive Committee “may not modify or change any actions previously taken by the Board of Directors”. If there was any “contract” in place, even the very basic employment contract, the Board should be the body to change the terms of that agreement.

With regards to the marketing direction of the P.F.H.A., our constitution goes on further to state, under Responsibilities of the Board, Article VIII Section 1. Purpose. The Board of Directors shall be the policy-making body of the Association. Under Section 4. Responsibilities, The Board shall be empowered to provide procedures for the implementation and goals and purposes of the Association. E. Establish and update goals to set the direction of the Association. F. Safeguard the rights and interest of all members.

Speaking to the powers of the Executive Committee, our Constitution states under Article IX, Section 2. Duties of the Executive Committee shall be as follows: A. Between regularly scheduled Board of Directors meetings, the Committee shall have the power of the Board as a whole except those limitations specified in the Constitution and the Rules which require the action of the full Board of Directors. The perception is the Executive Committee is exceeding their authority under our current rules.

Secondly, and equally important, is why the Board was not given the chance to discuss any of these important issues at the April Board of Directors meeting? We certainly had ample time and energy to sink our teeth into something of substance. Why else would regions take the time, make the effort and spend the money to send a regional delegate, if not to address and then direct these problems/issues?

The third item in the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting is in reference to the policy charging veterinarians a vendor’s fee at the Grand National Show. I am vehemently opposed to veterinarians paying a vendor’s fee, but I am confused as to how the Executive Committee can change this policy, since the Board was instructed we could only vote either affirmatively or negatively for committee reports, and not give suggestions for change. This goes back to the P.F.H.A. constitution, which states, “The Executive Committee may not modify or change any actions previously taken by the Board of Directors”. The Board of Directors approved the National Show Committee report and, according to the rules, would be the body that has to change that report and any stipulations within that report.

It is of great importance our Executive Director has a contract and equally pressing is our marketing direction. It is because of the magnitude of these policies that the Board of Directors, representing the membership as a whole, be the group to direct our association as our rules dictate. The long -range ramifications of both an Executive Director’s contract and our Marketing program for our association make it imperative the Board of Directors direct the outcome.

I’m optimistic that the Executive Committee and other relative Committees will present these matters for us to consider at the October Board of Directors meeting.

Robin Ratliff, Everglades Region Delegate

August 2004 Piedmont e-news
NC State Fair Paso Fino Prize Books Available
Membership and BOD Meeting Cancelled
Asheville Stallion Futurity News
Piedmont Stallion Auction Bids
2004 Asheville Show Placements per Judge
Biltmore Trail Ride is August 28th
Moses Cone Trail Ride Report
PFHA Youth of the Year 2004 Nominations
PFHA Show Exhibitor's Handbook

NC State Fair Paso Fino Prize Books are now available
39 double pointed classes are offered this year at the NC State Fair Paso Fino Show on Monday October 18, 2004 starting at 9am. The Bellas Formas classes have been expanded; Pleasure Driving and Costume are new classes for 2004. This show attracts more of a public outside audience then any of our other Piedmont shows. It also counts towards Piedmont's high point awards. The entry fees are less than half a regular pointed PFHA/USEF show. There are two judges: Jose Laracuente and Ed Smith this year. You can email Sheri Bridges to be mailed a show prize list if you are not on the fair mailing list. If you showed last year, you should receive one by mail. Of note this year also, the Arabians will be showing in their halter classes in the outdoor covered arena that morning also. Click for class schedule. Come promote your Paso Finos and ride with Piedmont and the NC State Fair Horse Show! Info can be found on page 83 of the August 2004 Paso Fino Horse World.
Lynn Gallup
NC State Fair Paso Fino Show Chair

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Date: Jul 26, 2004
Since the Password is late in going out, we did not give the appropriate two week notice of a membership meeting. Therefore, the meeting scheduled for July 31, 2004 at the Holiday Inn in Asheville will be cancelled. Sorry for the cancellation, but we need to stay within the bylaws of the organization. Please pass the information along to any other members you know who might have planned on attending.
Robin Visceglia, Piedmont President

CANCELLED: A Piedmont General Membership and BOD Meeting is planned for Saturday, July 31, 2004 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at the Airport Holiday Inn, Asheville, NC in the Shetland Room; Ph# 828-684-1213. Please make plans to attend.

2004 Asheville Stallion Futurity News
Ponderoso Coloso, owned by Paul Mercer, offspring won $4,450. in the Piedmont Breeder's Futurity. For the second year in a row, his name will be on the Elegante Perpetual Trophy for the stallion whose offspring won the most prize money. Prometido de Selecta, owned by Paul and Rosanne Gmuer was second. His offspring won $3400. Quatro Pistonas del Paso owned by Hillside Farms was 3rd with his offspring winning $2300.

Piedmont 2004 Stallion Auction Bids
There a several stallions still available in the Stallion Auction. Submit your bids to Robbie Davis at ElPorvenir@aol.com or mail to: 18600 Shearer Rd, Davidson, NC 28036, by August 25th, 2004. Please include your name, address and phone number. The winning bidders will be announced in the September PassWord.

2004 Asheville Show Report and Placements
From beginning to end, The 22nd Annual Piedmont Classic in Asheville, North Carolina, was a great show. There were 535 horses on the grounds with 439 of these competing in the show for the $82,000 that was awarded during the show. It was wonderful to see such a show of quality Paso Finos. With classes so large they had to be divided into sections,a rider almost felt like it was Nationals! There were lots of old faces, but many news ones as well.

Wednesday night a party given by the Calhouns and Triple Crown welcomed everyone and helped get the weekend off to a good start. On Friday night, the Exhibitors Party was lots of fun with music for all ages. What more can one ask than good food, good music, good friends and lots of horse talk. The " Dinner in the Dirt" was also a success with diners enjoying an exhibition of horses as they ate. Pasos passed right beside them, shimmering in the lights. Alvero Iriarte made a grand entrance on Czar, always a crowd pleaser. What a great way to present the American flag! He was followed by Pat Figueroa on a beautiful mare, LaVeleta de la Libertad, a Classico daughter,displaying the colorful Piedmont banner.

Judges who helped make this a successful show were Sharon Londono and Carlos Tobon on Thursday and Friday with Lynn Gallup and Bobby Yunits on presiding on Saturday and Sunday. The Futurity wants to express special appreciation for the extra time and energy it took for Mr. Yunits to judge the Futurity classes. There were as many as 14 in some of the younger classes. Milda Minter, Futurity Chairperson, says this show had the most entries ever in the Futurity classes. Jerry Guarino did his usual excellent job as Ringmaster.

Thanks to Show Chairman Dwight Graber and all of his committee members who worked together with our President Robin Visceglia to make the show special. Brightening up the evenings were three young ladies in evening dress, Christina Minter, Laura Peterson and Stephanie Peterson as ribbon presenters. Summer's Bolero, the beautiful gelding donated for the Futurity Raffle by Summersong Farm, was also a big hit when brought into the ring. Without the help of all who took part, the show would not have been the success it was.

The Asheville Show Results are saved in Microsoft Word. If you click on the link the results should open in MS Word as a .doc file. Each judge's placements are around 24 pages. For anyone who might want to print out the results, know to have plenty of paper in your printer. The PFHA website is not real user-friendly when it comes to viewing show results, so Piedmont is posting them here for those interested for ease of viewing.

June 17-18 Asheville Show Results: Sharon Londono | Carlos Tobon
June 19-20 Asheville Show Results: Lynn Gallup | Robert Yunits

Biltmore Trail Ride is August 28th
Come join us for a fun day of trail riding on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC on August 28th.
Biltmore has over 80 miles of breathtaking, scenic and well maintained wooded trails.

We will meet in the main day rider parking area beside the French Broad river, ready to ride at 10:30am. Please do not arrive before 9am, the time the Equestrian Center office opens.

Each rider will need to pay a $20.00 fee to Biltmore Estate. Fees are payable by check, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. All trailers will stop at the main barn office and check in during equestrian center hours, pay fees, and receive a pass for your vehicle. Have a current coggins dated within twelve months for each horse you bring, and be prepared for staff to check them.
Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center's phone is 828-277-4485; fax is 828-277-4486; operating hours are 9am to 5pm.

Biltmore requires Release of Liability forms for groups to be submitted before the ride. These forms must be completed and sent to Lori West by August 12th (faxed, snail mailed, or emailed). If you think you might be able to attend, please send Lori the form, and if you decide later not to ride, just let her know by August 26th. Click here for more detailed information.

Please send the names and contact information (home phone, cell phone, email) of each rider to contact you in case of foul weather and to have a lunch ordered for you. Please contact Lori West at 828-683-1793 or lorihwest@yahoo.com.

Directions to Biltmore Ride: From I-40 take exit 50-A (this is US Hwy 25) and go South. Turn right at the Asheville Racquet Club sign, which is near Applebee's restaurant. Stay to the right when the road forks into a dirt road. The Biltmore Equestrian office will be on the left, about 4 miles down the dirt road.

Moses Cone 2004 Trail Ride Report
The Mose Cone trail ride was wonderful. The weather could not have been any more perfect. Attendance was great too, even better than last year. Kitty Taylor was a thoughtful and gracious host, making sure that everyone had choices of where to ride, how fast to ride, and even who to ride with. Lunch was just perfect (especialy the chocolate chip cookies)! The group, both
horses and riders was very diverse, from those on their very first PPFHA trail ride, to our seasoned and expert trail hands, but the mutual love for our wonderful breed insured everyone had something in common. Such a magnificent day left us feeling truly sorry for anyone who missed it, and all eagerly anticipating the Biltmore ride with Lori and Greg West.
Jeanne Griggs

PFHA Youth of the Year 2004 Nominations Due by 9/6
The youth committee is looking for its 2004 Youth Of the Year. The nomination form follows this brief message. The nomination can be electronically signed by the youth or the member nominating the youth member. Please use extra pages if needed.

This form can be returned to me via e-mail at pasoyouth@aol.com or by fax to (386) 418-8288. Please get this information to me by 9/6/04. The committee will be voting on the submissions on 9/8. (You can copy and paste this form info into a text editor or MS Word.)

Thank you for your interest and thank you for helping us to recognize our outstanding kids!

Marcia Davis, Youth Committee Chair, and the members of the youth committee.

2004 PASO FINO HORSE ASSOCIATION
NOMINATION FOR YOUTH OF THE YEAR Form

Nominee’s Name:____________________________________________

DOB:_______________Sex:________________PFHA#_____________

Address:___________________________________________________

City:___________________________State:_____________Zip______

Name of Region you or your family belongs to:___________________

Are you a USEF Member?________

List your participation and achievements in equestrian activities:
(shows, 4-H, Pony Club, trail rides, etc.

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

List your community services activities:

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Scholastic and extra-curricular activities:

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

How long have you been riding? __________________________________

Please summarize in the form of a letter and attach to this nomination, your thoughts on the following:
1. What has your experiences with horses meant to you?
2. Describe your personal qualities that qualify you to be awarded the PFHA
Youth of the Year.

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: _______________________________________

PFHA Show Exhibitor's Handbook
If the education committee put out an "exhibitor's handbook", what information would you want included? If you have not shown in PFHA shows, what questions do you want answered? If you have shown, what is still unclear, and what do you WISH someone had told you before you entered the ring? Please think about it. Your input will help form the outline.

Suggested Topics
A judge's responsibility
What judges are looking for
class requirements/procedures (every division and specialty, detailed descriptions)
importance of gait
judging according to the rules (percentages-what do they mean?)
sportsmanship
ring etiquette
the purpose of a work off
corto over the board
hand gallop/lope/canter (differences)
excused vs. disqualified
tack (broken down per division and differences in schooling)
attire
horse show packing list

questions and answers:
"how do I determine which divisions/classes to enter?"
"What do I do if I have a problem in the ring?"
"When is it o.k. to reverse or cut across the ring to get out of a crowd?"
"Is there a way to let the judges/stewards committee know about a particular concern I have, or to compliment/make suggestions?"

Please send ideas.Thanks in advance! I am going to submit an outline to Carlos Tobon.
Sincerely,
Lori West

July 2004 Piedmont e-news
Asheville Show/Official Photographer
PFHA Judges & Stewards Clinic is July 2-4 in Hickory, NC
PFHA Paso Fino Video Sale & Stud Book CD
CONFEPASO's 5th Youth Mundial
East Coast Open Horse Show Circuit
Piedmont Youth Published Story
N. Augusta, SC Piedmont Show
Southern Horse Festival
Support your PFHA Sponsors

Thank you for all who participated in the 2004 Asheville Classic Show . It was a huge success! Show management reported 510 horses, 40 more than last year. To see the official photographer's photos of horses and the event classes, go to www.photoreflect.com. More info will be coming in next month's e-news.

A PFHA Judges & Stewards and Education Committee Clinic is being held July 2-4, 2004 in Hickory, NC. This clinic is for applicant, renewal judges and stewards, and is open to all members to audit.This format will include live horses, group discussion and a membership judging event. Hotel info is: Holiday Inn Express, 2250 Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC ph. 828-328-2081. Contacts: Carmen Micheletti pasolargo1@aol.com, Carlos Tobon tobon@lcc.net.

PFHA PASO FINO VIDEO SALE
Sarah Holt is the new Assistant to the Marketing Director at PFHA. She announces this Paso Fino Horse Association video sale. Call 813.719.7777 to order. All videos $9.95 each, plus shipping. While supplies last. Buy 3, get one free, Buy 6 get two free.

These are all the videos that have been aired on RFD-TV; they are now on sale.

The Grand National Shows listed below are approximately 50 minutes
in length, and feature interviews, and championship competition
1 - 2000 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______
2 - 2001 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______
3 - 2002 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______
4 - 2003 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______

5 - EQUINE AFFAIRE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 2004 ______
Great Lakes PFHA Regions breed demos and interviews
Scenes from the 2003 Paso Fino auction in Perry, GA

6 TEXAS AMERICA WITH JOHN LYONS ______
High lights of the Paso Fino’s participation in this event,
plus the Texcelentes drill team performance

7 - 1999 MUNDIAL WORLD CUP ______
Pasos in competition from the US and many South American Countries

8 - PASO PARTICIPATION IN THE CARRIAGE OF THE HORSE SHOW
Features Stardust drill team. Lots of carriages and ______
a tour through the Horse Carriage Museum in central Florida

9 - CHAMPIONS IN PERRY/BEHIND THE SCENES 2001 ______
This video captures the action both in and out of the ring. Find out
what it takes to put on a show of this size. Interviews with youth riders
and horse owners. A look at the colorful stall decorations, exhibitor
booths and costume class competition.

10 - PASOS ON THE ROAD ______
Highlights of Equine Affaire, Piedmont Classic, and Spectrum Shows

11 - SMOOTHEST RIDE ______
Explains Fino, Corto, Largo and aspects of owning a Paso Fino
Original Smoothest ride video

12 - SMOOTHEST RIDE EVER ______
Similar to #11 but has various trail ride scenes with Mary Ann Kennedy
singing the Paso Fino song.

13 - VERSATILITY OF THE PASO FINO ______
Shows Paso Fino’s team penning, beach and trail riding, Extravaganza
show in Ocala, Florida, explanation of the Paso Fino gait, John Lyons
Interview.

14 - DON WEST CLINIC (back ordered till 6/30/04) ______
22-minute session of Don teaching basic Paso Fino horsemanship
Includes short clip of the Spectrum Paso show in Tampa, Florida

15 - SMOOTH TRAILS ON A PASO FINO ______
Various trail rides from the great northwest to beach riding in Florida

The new 2004 Paso Fino Stud Book is now available on CD. They are $65.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling, Florida residents add 7% sales tax. To order contact PFHA at 813-719-7777, or via email at mbrsecy@pfha.org or PFHA, 101 N. Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563.